It Meets The Eye (Transformers, 2007)

When it was announced that there was a live action Transformers movie on the way, former kids everywhere rejoiced.  Even when it was announced that Eye Candy & Explosions Master Michael Bay was directing the film, we did not let that stop our hopes for “Awesome”.  The final product?  Well, I guess it as as good as any Alien Robots That Turn Into Cars and Stuff movie could be.

Introducing us to Sam Witwicky…in the old cartoons there was a Witwicky, but if they are meant to be related or if it is just a fan service thing…I don’t know.  Sam is a …uh…jittery and nervous kind of guy.  He has his heart set on Mikaela…who hangs with a different crowd.  Unfortunately robots who turn into cars totally interfere.

It is hard to sum the film up, as the cast is huge.  HUUUUUGE.  There are army guys, secret undercover agents.  Sam’s overbearing parents.  Hackers (Cute Blonde and antsy black guy).  Racial Stereotypes abound.  In some way, most of them come together and help the Autobots fight the Decepticons.

Bay hires a lot of actresses for their eye candy factor.    When an attractive girl is on screen, the camera lingers as he makes her pose.  I can just hear him telling Megan Fox as she is looking over a car engine “Lean forward a little more!”  The Autobots came to earth to find the “All Spark” and we humans have been hiding it.  Okay…that is the basic plot.  Plus cleavage and explosions.

Remember that huge cast?  One thing that blows my mind is how Bay can populate his films with solid actors.  I mean, Armageddon had a cast made up almost entirely of indie movie actors and Bruce Willis.  The script is not confusing, but it takes awhile to come together as a whole.

The robots look quite good.  And it is fun that they cast Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime) and Charlie Adler (Starscream) reprise their roles from the 80’s cartoon.  The film can be very exciting and it is a real effects spectacle.  Light on plot and characterization, it may be okay for a mindless evening.